Hi Vicky,

Yes, dilution with Ethanol is a good means for this.  The Glycerol will
diffuse into the Ethanol, making it more readily absorbed by the
periostracum and shell.  Then the ethanol evaporates away quickly ... neat
and tidy.

I use this with freshwater bivalves or other bivalves that are subject to
drying and cracking such as pen shells and razor clams.  I just soak them
for about a day, them set them on a cardboard box to dry.  Later  with a
small brush I may go back and paint the ligament with fresh Glycerin.

The trick is finding an air-tight container large enough to soak them in so
that the ethanol doesn't evaporate off up front.  When done I then pour the
remaining solution back into the alcohol bottle. (marked as mixed with
Glycerin)

Take all our ideas and find what works best for you ...
Leslie Crnkovic


________________________________

From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 12:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] periostracum question

Dear Vicky,

It seems by now that you have received just about as many ideas on
preserving the perio as people who responded. A dealer told me that he used
glycerin diluted. I tried a 50/50 glycerin/water mixture and sprayed it on
severla of my shells with the perio. It has worked for me and I haven't
noticed any diseases on any of the shells. It is a little messy and after I
spray it on, I let the excess drain off for a day or two on a paper towel.
It has restored some shells that the perio had become brittle to the touch
on. I've also heard that you can use alcohol instead of water, but I haven't
tried that.

Anyhow, best of luck with whatever technique you try.
Cheers,
Jim Poyak


----- Original Message -----
From: Vicky Wall <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 2:43 PM
Subject: [CONCH-L] periostracum question

Hi Everyone,

I found a hairy triton this weekend and need advice on how to preserve the
periostracum. The shell also has some animal still stuck that I can't get
out. I have put hydrogen peroxide in the opening carefully as to not hurt
the peri and tried flushing out the aperture but no luck yet. I wondered if
there were something else that might dissolve the meat faster. Is pine oil
an option? I remembered hearing about that sometime but I'm not sure. Thanks
for any help you can give me. The shell is wonderful and I don't want to
damage it!
Vicky Wall

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